Prom in a Pinch: With only a few days until prom there’s still a lot to do. Follow senior Chase Acton and junior Katie Cheesman as they prepare

Compiled by Meredith Boyd and Lauren Burdick
<mboyd@hilite.org>, <lburdick@hilite.org>

The Claws Come Out: Get your nails and toes perfectly polished for the big day. If you’re interested in skipping the salon and saving money here are some tips for an at home manicure.
Prep Work: Begin by completely removing any old nail polish and soaking hands in hot soapy water for a couple minutes.

Shaping: Use and emery board to round off the edges and catch any hang nails.

Cuticles: Fix those pesky cuticles by gently pushing them back with a hot wash cloth. Avoid cutting them to prevent cuts and infections.

Paint: If you can’t find a color that perfectly matches your dress a pearly white or French tips goes with any dress. Or consider something a little funky by trying out nail pens our stick on designs. Make sure to try these out before the actual day of prom because it might take some practice.

Delightful Dining: Confirm dinner reservations. If you’re having a moment of panic and realize you haven’t made any yet here are a couple tips.
Dust off the good china: Luckily you’re own house doesn’t require any reservations. Try sticking with a simple stress free recipe but make things special with the table arrangement.

Pack a Picnic: Grab a wicker basket and a blanket and hit a local park for a sweet and creative pre-prom dinner. Keep in mind your date might not want to sit on the ground in her finery so scout out a picnic table.

Try Non-traditional: Nothing is more fun than a bunch of people in their prom best at a fast food
restaurant, and no reservation is required. Just make sure your date has a sense of humor first.

Think outside the Carmel bubble: If you’re still set on making a reservation at a nice restaurant keep in mind the further outside of Carmel the restaurant is, the more likely you can get a reservation.

Think Dessert First: Instead of going out to dinner skip straight to the good stuff and treat your date to a fancy dessert first.

A Picture Says a Thousand Words: Decide on a location for your prom photos. Here are a couple photogenic places around town for your consideration.
West Park, 2700 W. 116th St.: West park offers several options for your prom photos. It contains a bridge that weaves around its pond as well as trails through natural wildflowers.

Carmel Civic Square Fountain: Located right in the center of Carmel, the Carmel Civic Square Fountain is a convenient location to meet up with all couples in your prom group.

White River Gardens, 6363 Springmill Road.: For the lushest most flower filled photos, the White River Gardens at the Indianapolis Zoo boast immaculate gardens in full bloom.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, Monument Circle: For unique photos, venture downtown to the memorial on the circle.

Main Street, Carmel: If you’re feeling quirky you can always get your prom group and ham it up with your favorite statue on Main Street.

Coxhall Gardens, 2000 W. 116th St.: Coxhall Gardens offers interesting architecture to take photos in front of as well as a reflecting pool and numerous specialty gardens.

‘Primp’ My Ride: Impress your date with your squeaky clean automobile by stopping at a carwash or breaking out the soap and doing it yourself.
Mike’s Carwash: Get a basic “Express” wash for $8 or spring for “The Works” which includes rust and weather protection, underbody cleaning and wheel shine for $12. Keep in mind lines for the carwash may be pretty long the actual day of prom.

It’s what’s on the inside that counts: It’s just as important to clean out the inside of the car as the outside so remember to clear out old fast food wrappers and sports gear. Go the extra mile and vacuum too.

Freshen Up: If your car still reaks after cleaning it out consider investing in a good car freshener. Bath and Bodyworks  has a variety of scents.

Flower Power: Don’t forget the flowers! Not only do they look and smell beautiful, but they can also send a message to your date.
The meaning in the color:
Yellow:  friendship and happiness
White:   innocence
Purple:  pride and success
Pink:      happiness
Blue:      peace and openness
Red:       love

Make your date’s boutonniere:
1. Choose a small to medium sized flower. Carnations and roses are most commonly used in boutonnieres.

2. Cut the flower’s stem leaving about three inches.

3. Choose some greenery and baby’s breath to use in the boutonniere.

4. Bundle the greenery, baby’s breath and chosen flower together making sure the flower is in the front.

5. Wrap green floral tape around the stems of the bundle.

6. Choose a ribbon that matches your dress color and tie around the stems using a little bit of hot glue to keep it secure.

7.Keep your finished boutonniere refrigerated until you can present it to your date.